Who's new pal is flushed out of obscurity

Time for a break: Velile struggled to find work before landing the role

Last Christmas she was cleaning lavatories but now Londoner Velile Tshabalala is starring alongside David Tennant and Morrissey in the Doctor Who Christmas special.

The 24-year-old plays chirpy cockney Rosita in the adventure set in Victorian London, where Tennant's Doctor battles the Cybermen, while meeting a man also claiming to be a Timelord called the Doctor. It is the big break for Whitechapel-born Velile, whose previous appearances have included BBC3 sketch show Tittybangbang.

She said: "It has been a struggle. I've done everything from being an Avon lady to working as a barber.

"The longest time between TV jobs was eight months and I really despaired. Last year I even cleaned lavatories, which was particularly hard."

Velile, who was brought up in Ilford, is now glad she never gave up on her dream after winning the role in the episode, called The Next Doctor, which is guaranteed to be one of the biggest hits of the Christmas TV schedules.

She said: "I screamed with delight when I got the part. Then I phoned my dad who got really worried because he thought I'd said I needed to see a doctor.

"When I explained, he was so proud and excited. It is the best Christmas present ever."